Here at Debate Central, we believe that part of what makes debate great is its community. We are committed to using the best technology available to bring debaters together to communicate, collaborate, and learn. That is why we have made the decision to retire the Debate Central forums as of this Friday (June 6, 2014), in order to encourage conversations to take place on the social media platforms you already use.

So, let’s be friends! Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter. Then, share your debate questions, comments, funny debate jokes, or whatever else you feel like. Rather than waiting for a reply on a standalone message board, we’ll use the magic of social media to make sure your fellow debaters are able to see your input, share it with others, and collaborate in minutes, instead of days. Thousands of other debaters from across the country are already involved—you should be, too!

As always, you can also always send your private questions and cases to us for quick, confidential, personalized feedback. If you email us, we’ll get back to you with a detailed response within three business days (and usually, we’ll reply even sooner than that).

Do you have thoughts on how to make Debate Central more helpful to you? Let us know. We might just use your idea!

Last week, we brought you our pro guide to the 2014 Nationals Public Forum topic, “Resolved: NATO should strengthen its relationship with Ukraine in order to deter further Russian aggression.” Today, we’re releasing our con guide. It contains an introduction to the resolution, discussion of key terms, plenty of strategic advice, and all of the free evidence you need to get starting building a top-notch negative case. Find it below the fold. [..]

Headed to Nationals in Public Forum, but feeling overwhelmed by the huge size of the resolution? Debate Central to the rescue, with the most thorough guide available to the 2014 Nationals PF topic, “Resolved: NATO should strengthen its relationship with Ukraine in order to deter further Russian aggression.” We’ve got you covered. Check out the pro guide today, complete with an introduction to the resolution’s key concepts, historical background, key news items to watch, strategy advice, and– of course– free evidence. And stay tuned for the con guide, out soon! [..]

Last week, we brought you the affirmative guide to the 2014 LD Nationals resolution. Now, go check out our guide to debating the negative side of the topic “Resolved: The United States ought to prioritize the pursuit of national security objectives above the digital privacy of its citizens.” In it, you’ll find all the topic background information, strategic advice, and free evidence that you need to build a Nationals-caliber Lincoln-Douglas case! [..]

We’ve got just what LD debaters need as they gear up for national tournament competition: a brand new, up-to-the-minute guide to debating the affirmative side of the 2014 Nationals resolution: “Resolved: The United States ought to prioritize the pursuit of national security objectives above the digital privacy of its citizens.” It features a topic analysis, strategy advice, and free evidence! Check it out below. [..]

Now that the season is officially over (or, at least, you have a significant break before NFL Nationals), no one would blame you for wanting to take a break. But we know lots of you out there are HARDCORE and will want to use all your newfound summer free time to improve your debate performance. Here are 5 easy strategies for ensuring you come back to your next competitive season ready for total dominance.[..]

As this debate season draws to a close, your most triumphant wins and painful losses are probably still fresh in your brain. That makes right now the perfect time to conduct an honest self-assessment of your strengths and weaknesses as a debater. Take the time to reflect on what you do well, and what you’re not so great at. This is the first step to coming up with a plan for improving over the summer, clarifying your goals, and creating strategies that play to your personal strengths. Today, we’re going to help you get started. [..]